How breast cancer cells influence stress hormone production and metastasis
Official title: Systemic Glucocorticoid Signaling Induced by Breast Cancer Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11223048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles from breast cancer cells might cause the body to produce more stress hormones, which could help the cancer spread, and it will also explore whether certain medications can help block this process to improve treatment options for breast cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,083 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295898-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11223048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with breast cancer, particularly those with estrogen receptor-negative tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular vesicles produced by breast cancer cells in increasing the production of glucocorticoids, which are stress hormones linked to tumor progression. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these vesicles activate pathways that lead to glucocorticoid overproduction and how this affects normal cells, potentially facilitating breast cancer metastasis. Researchers will also explore the use of existing medications that inhibit glucocorticoid signaling as a potential treatment strategy for breast cancer. By focusing on specific microRNAs and their regulatory effects, the research seeks to uncover new insights into cancer biology and treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that mitigate the adverse effects of glucocorticoids in breast cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting glucocorticoid signaling can be beneficial in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Shizhen Emily — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Wang, Shizhen Emily
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.